Economy 10 is a time-of-use electricity tariff that gives you ten hours of cheaper electricity each day, but the exact hours vary by region and supplier
Economy 10 is a type of electricity tariff that offers lower prices during specific times of the day. The core benefit is a cheaper per-kWh rate during off-peak periods, which are typically split across overnight and afternoon windows, unlike Economy 7 which has a single seven-hour block.
Economy 10 offers off-peak rates of 12–15p/kWh for ten hours daily, but peak rates are higher at 30–32p/kWh. You need to shift at least 40–50% of your usage to the cheaper windows to beat a standard tariff of 27.5p/kWh (Ofgem, 2026).
- Shift 40–50% of electricity use to off-peak hours to save
- Off-peak rate is 12–15p/kWh, peak is 30–32p/kWh (Ofgem 2026)
- Cheaper hours split into 2–3 blocks, not a single 7-hour window
- Hours vary by region and supplier, controlled by radio teleswitch
- Standard tariff at 27.5p/kWh may be cheaper if you cannot shift usage
- Economy 10 is a time-of-use electricity tariff that gives you ten hours of cheaper electricity each day, but the exact hours vary by region and supplier
- How Economy 10 compares to Economy 7 and standard tariffs in cost and usage patterns
- The specific off-peak hours for Economy 10 depend on your distribution network operator and supplier
- Quick numbers typical Economy 10 rates, savings, and costs (2026)
- Who qualifies for Economy 10 and how to get it installed
- How to verify your installer or supplier for Economy 10 (MCS and TrustMark requirements)
- The direct answer to “economy 10 explained” it is a tariff that gives you ten cheap-rate hours per day, split into two or three blocks, but it only saves money if you can shift most of your electricity use into those windows
- Eligibility checks before switching to Economy 10 property, meter, and heating system requirements
The ten hours are divided into two or three separate time blocks. Common patterns include three hours in the afternoon, two hours in the evening, and five hours overnight, though other splits exist. The cheaper period is controlled by a radio teleswitch or a smart meter, not by the homeowner, so you cannot adjust the hours yourself. The standing charge is usually the same as a standard tariff, but the day-time rate per kWh is higher to subsidise the cheaper night rate (Ofgem, 2026).
How Economy 10 compares to Economy 7 and standard tariffs in cost and usage patterns
Economy 10 typically offers a cheaper off-peak rate than Economy 7, but the peak rate is higher. This means it is suitable only if you can shift at least 40–50% of your total electricity use to the ten-hour window. Standard tariffs have a single flat rate, so if you cannot shift a significant portion of your usage, a standard tariff will be cheaper than Economy 10’s higher peak rate.
Economy 7 offers seven continuous off-peak hours overnight. Economy 10’s split blocks can be harder to schedule around if your appliances need long, uninterrupted runs, such as overnight heating cycles. The Energy Saving Trust advises that the split windows require careful planning to maximise savings (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Ofgem’s price cap data shows that the average standard variable tariff in 2026 is around 27.5 p/kWh, while Economy 10 peak rates can be 30–32 p/kWh and off-peak rates around 12–15 p/kWh (Ofgem, 2026).
The specific off-peak hours for Economy 10 depend on your distribution network operator and supplier
The actual start and end times of the cheap-rate windows vary by region. For example, Northern England may have off-peak from 11pm to 6am plus 1pm to 4pm, while Southern England might use 10pm to 5am plus 2pm to 5pm. These times are set by your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), such as UK Power Networks or SP Energy Networks, not by your supplier.
You must check your supplier’s tariff document or call them to get the exact times for your postcode. Some suppliers offer a “smart” Economy 10 variant via a smart meter, which can adjust times slightly, but the core ten-hour window is still fixed. The times are published in the supplier’s terms and conditions and are based on the DNO’s regional schedules (Ofgem, 2026).
Quick numbers typical Economy 10 rates, savings, and costs (2026)
The table below shows estimated rates and annual bills for a typical three-bedroom home using 3,100 kWh per year, based on Ofgem price cap data for October–December 2026 and Energy Saving Trust typical consumption figures. Off-peak rates on Economy 10 are typically 10–15 p/kWh cheaper than standard rates, but peak rates are 3–5 p/kWh higher.
| Metric | Economy 10 (UK average) | Economy 7 (UK average) | Standard variable tariff (price cap) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak rate (p/kWh) | 31.0 | 30.5 | 27.5 |
| Off-peak rate (p/kWh) | 13.5 | 15.0 | N/A |
| Standing charge (p/day) | 52.0 | 52.0 | 52.0 |
| Typical annual bill (50% off-peak usage) | £1,052 | £1,120 | £1,205 |
Source: Ofgem price cap figures for October–December 2026 (Ofgem, 2026), Energy Saving Trust typical household consumption data (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Who qualifies for Economy 10 and how to get it installed
Economy 10 is not available to all homes. It requires a compatible meter, usually a radio teleswitch or a smart meter with time-of-use capability, and a property with electric storage heating or a heat pump. New installations are rare; most homes on Economy 10 already have the tariff and meter from a previous owner.
You cannot simply request Economy 10 without a meter upgrade. If your home has a heat pump or electric boiler, you may be eligible, but the supplier must confirm your meter can handle the split time blocks. The MCS register lists certified installers for heat pump installations if you are considering that route (MCS, 2026).
How to verify your installer or supplier for Economy 10 (MCS and TrustMark requirements)
If you are switching to Economy 10 with a new heat pump or storage heater, the installer must be MCS-certified for the technology, such as heat pumps or solar PV, and registered with TrustMark for consumer protection. For the meter itself, the supplier must be licensed and the meter installation must comply with industry standards. No specific certification is needed for the tariff itself.
Check the MCS register at mcs-certified.com and TrustMark at trustmark.org.uk for the installer’s current certification before work begins. Ofgem’s switching supplier guidance also explains your rights when changing tariffs (Ofgem, 2026). guide to MCS certified heat pump installers
The direct answer to “economy 10 explained” it is a tariff that gives you ten cheap-rate hours per day, split into two or three blocks, but it only saves money if you can shift most of your electricity use into those windows
The ten hours are not continuous, so you must plan around afternoon and overnight windows. Typical users are homes with electric storage heaters or heat pumps that can run during off-peak times. If you cannot shift at least 40% of your usage, a standard tariff is cheaper. The Energy Saving Trust guide and Ofgem tariff data confirm this (Energy Saving Trust, 2026) (Ofgem, 2026).
Eligibility checks before switching to Economy 10 property, meter, and heating system requirements
You must have a compatible meter: either a radio teleswitch in older homes or a smart meter with time-of-use capability in newer installations. Check with your supplier to confirm which type you have. The tariff is designed for electric heating, such as storage heaters, heat pumps, or electric boilers. If you have gas central heating, Economy 10 is unlikely to be beneficial because you will not shift enough usage to the off-peak windows.
Your supplier may require a minimum usage threshold or a home survey to confirm suitability. Ofgem’s time-of-use tariffs page outlines the general criteria (Ofgem, 2026). guide to comparing energy tariffs for electric heating
Frequently Asked Questions
Economy 10 is a time-of-use electricity tariff offering ten hours of cheaper off-peak electricity per day, split into two or three time blocks. The off-peak rate is typically 12–15p/kWh, while the peak rate is higher at 30–32p/kWh (Ofgem, 2026).
Economy 10 offers a cheaper off-peak rate than Economy 7, but its peak rate is higher and the hours are split into separate blocks instead of one continuous overnight window. The Energy Saving Trust advises that Economy 10 requires more careful planning to schedule appliances across multiple time slots.
Economy 10 off-peak hours vary by region and supplier, but common patterns include three hours in the afternoon, two hours in the evening, and five hours overnight. The exact times are set by a radio teleswitch or smart meter and cannot be adjusted by the homeowner.
Economy 10 is cheaper than a standard tariff only if you shift at least 40–50% of your total electricity use to the off-peak window. Otherwise, the higher peak rate of 30–32p/kWh makes it more expensive than the standard variable tariff of around 27.5p/kWh (Ofgem, 2026).
No, you cannot change your Economy 10 off-peak hours because they are controlled by a radio teleswitch or smart meter set by your supplier. The hours are fixed based on your regional network, so you must schedule your usage around the predetermined blocks.
